Genre: Science Fiction Comedy | Writer/Artist: Yusei Matsui | Release Date: 2014
Publisher: VIZ Media
Writing
Assassination Classroom Volume 1 introduces readers to one of the most bizarre yet compelling premises in shounen manga: a super-powered alien octopus named Koro-sensei, who destroys part of the moon and threatens to do the same to Earth in one year—unless his class of junior high “misfits” can assassinate him first. What begins as an absurd setup quickly turns into an unexpectedly heartfelt, humorous, and thought-provoking read. The narrative dances between ridiculous assassination attempts and surprisingly touching classroom moments.
While the plot feels more “slice-of-life” than action-packed in this first volume, the writing is anything but static. The humor lands frequently, often through Koro-sensei’s eccentric personality and the students’ over-the-top schemes to kill him. More importantly, the volume lays the foundation for an emotionally rich character dynamic. Koro-sensei emerges as a likable and oddly noble mentor. Despite his doomsday threat, his genuine desire to see his students grow—not just academically but personally—makes him captivating.
Nagisa, the central student figure, is still underdeveloped, coming off as somewhat bland and passive. There’s room for growth in his character arc, and hopefully, future volumes will deepen his motivations and personality. Other students remain largely unremarkable, though their unique interactions with Koro-sensei hint at future development. The repetitive formula—Koro-sensei teaches, they try to kill him, fail, repeat—risks monotony, but Matsui’s clever writing and the surprising life lessons woven throughout each chapter keep it engaging.
The only grating element is the manga’s insistence on using “Mach speed” repeatedly, which feels overly technical in a narrative that otherwise thrives on emotional connection and absurd humor. Still, Volume 1’s tone, pacing, and blend of comedy with deeper themes suggest a series with serious potential.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Art Style
Yusei Matsui’s art is perfectly suited for the strange duality that defines Assassination Classroom: outlandish yet grounded, silly yet sincere. Koro-sensei’s design is memorably absurd—a giant yellow smiley-faced octopus with emotive color-changing skin—but it works so well because it contrasts with his deeper role as a mentor. His exaggerated expressions and hyper-fluid movements are visual highlights that perfectly convey his inhuman abilities and quirky personality.
The character designs for the students are fairly standard for the shounen school genre. While this volume doesn’t emphasize visual individuality much among the class, their actions and interactions are given clear expression through dynamic panel work and facial reactions. Matsui uses exaggerated reactions, comedic visual beats, and dramatic angles to reinforce the manga’s tonal shifts from slapstick comedy to emotional sincerity.
The pacing of the art flows smoothly with clean panel transitions that allow readers to follow even the most chaotic assassination attempts with clarity. Backgrounds are occasionally minimal but always purposeful, putting focus on character interaction. Notably, the emotional beats—especially scenes where Koro-sensei connects with his students—are visually subdued in a way that makes the moments feel more impactful.
Overall, the art balances comedy and drama very effectively. It’s not the most detailed or experimental shounen manga, but it’s efficient, expressive, and fitting for the narrative's weird, heartfelt tone.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Assassination Classroom, Volume 1 is a bizarre, unexpectedly touching introduction to a story that’s equal parts slapstick and soul. With clever writing, effective humor, and a standout lead in Koro-sensei, it’s a strong start with room to grow. Assassination Classroom, Volume 1 gets 4 out of 5.
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